Tavernier spent last season on loan at Rotherham United, where he impressed, and it was thought that he may have a part to play in Alan Pardew’s first-team this season, but it seems as if he is set to leave Tyneside.

Rotherham had been interested in him bringing him back to the New York Stadium, but it Wigan have apparently beaten them to his signature and a deal could be announced in the near future.

3) Sunderland not interested in Panagiotis Kone

Sunderland have declined that they are set to make a move to sign Greek international Panagiotis Kone.

Gus Poyet’s men had been heavily linked with signing the £3 million rated Bologna midfielder, but those rumours, which stemmed from the Italian media, have been confirmed as false by the club.

Kone is currently playing at the World Cup with his nation and does indeed look liikely to leave Bologna when he returns to Italy, but he looks set for a move to Serie A rather than the Premier League.

Altidore’s World Cup had looked over when he pulled-up in the US’s first match against Ghana, but he now may play in Brazil again after recovering well.

USA take on Belgium on Friday in the last 16, where they will be hoping to continue to increase the growing interest in the sport in their country by pulling off an upset.

“We are very optimistic [about Altidore’s chances of playing," Klinsmann said. "Every day is a big step forward with Jozy. It's 11 days now [since he picked up the injury], and it's looking better every day."

John Verrall

John is a sports journalism graduate from Staffordshire University. He is a huge football fan and a minute-by-minute writer for UEFA.com, as well as being a freelance writer for Sports New Media. John has also seen his work been published by the likes of The Guardian, World Soccer and Shoot Magazine over the course of his bourgeoning journalism career so far. He has a particular expertise in all things to do with the Football League – and is a passionate Peterborough United fan.